Join Our Board
Canberra Youth Theatre is seeking passionate, skilled individuals to join our Board of Directors
We’re looking for people who share our commitment to young people, believe in the transformative power of the arts, and want to help shape the future of youth theatre in the ACT and nationally.
About Canberra Youth Theatre
Canberra Youth Theatre is a leading youth theatre company that commissions, develops, produces, and presents bold new Australian works with young people embedded in creative development, decision-making, authorship, and leadership. We build clear pathways for young artists and audiences while delivering lasting cultural impact in the ACT and nationally.
We’re at an exciting moment in our organisation’s 50+ year history—positioning ourselves as essential cultural infrastructure for the ACT while expanding our national reach through new work creation, professional pathways for emerging artists, and ambitious venue partnerships.
About the Board
Canberra Youth Theatre’s Board of Governance provides strategic leadership, governance, and accountability to the organisation and its Artistic Director & CEO. The Board is responsible for:
- Setting strategic direction and reviewing organisational performance
- Ensuring financial sustainability and effective resource management
- Identifying and managing organisational risks
- Ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical obligations
- Safeguarding young people and maintaining best-practice youth engagement standards
- Supporting and holding accountable the Artistic Director & CEO
The Board guides Canberra Youth Theatre’s strategic direction but is not involved in day-to-day company business.
Meetings and Time Commitment
- 7 general Board meetings per year, plus an Annual General Meeting, usually held on Monday evenings (face-to-face or via Zoom)
- One full-day strategic planning session on a weekend
- Attendance at major company events such as opening nights and launches
- Additional revenue subcommittee meetings (for members on this subcommittee)
Board appointments are ongoing but reviewed and renewed annually. These positions are voluntary, with a membership contribution of $25 per annum.
It is not essential that a Board Member is a resident of the ACT, however they must be able to demonstrate their connection to Canberra Youth Theatre, either through the ACT and regional community, or the national youth arts sector.
What We’re Looking For
We are particularly encouraging expressions of interest from people with lived experience and expertise in:
- Fundraising, Philanthropy and Sponsorship
- First Nations Leadership & Community Engagement
- Disability Advocacy & Leadership
- Multicultural Youth Affairs
- Youth Work and/or Care-Experience
Our Board brings together expertise across arts and cultural leadership, finance and audit, legal and regulatory compliance, governance and strategy, education and youth development, fundraising and philanthropy, marketing and communications, and government relations.
We are committed to ensuring our Board reflects the diversity of the young people we serve and the values we champion. Our appointments prioritise merit through transparent, fair processes while actively seeking greater representation across cultural and linguistic backgrounds, First Nations leadership, LGBTIQA+ lived experience, and disability.
Expectations of Board Members
As a Board Member, you will:
- Demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for inclusive artistic programs for young people
- Advocate for Canberra Youth Theatre through your professional networks to support the growth and success of the organisation
- Contribute time and influence by promoting Canberra Youth Theatre’s mission, purpose and projects to the wider community
- Provide or develop contacts with philanthropic foundations, potential donors, government funding bodies, media and community organisations
- Build collegial relationships with other board members and company staff, actively participating in discussions and deliberations
- Become familiar with our strategy, projects, resources, finances and market; and in conjunction with other Board members and staff, establish strategic goals, objectives and priorities
- Understand the context for the Australian youth arts sector, and Canberra’s arts, cultural and creative community
- Be aware of and understand Board members’ legal and fiduciary duties
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Vision
A world where young people are celebrated as essential artists shaping our cultural future.
Mission
Canberra Youth Theatre empowers young people and emerging artists to create bold new works alongside professional creatives—amplifying youth voices, telling urgent stories, and building the skills and opportunities that transform artists, audiences, and communities.
Values
- Young people lead. We centre young people as artists and leaders shaping our culture now
- Creativity drives us. We nurture imagination, play, and experimentation into ambitious, rigorous creative practice
- Everyone belongs. We build inclusive spaces where young people feel safe, seen and valued
- Art is essential. Young people create extraordinary art. We champion their work as a vital cultural contribution
- We thrive together. Collaboration strengthens our creative sector
- Courage fuels change. We embrace risk and urgency as catalysts for transformation
- We build for tomorrow. We develop creative citizens and future leaders through ethical, sustainable practice
Express Your Interest
If you share our passion and enthusiasm for young people and the arts, we invite you to express your interest in joining us.
To apply: Please send a short introductory email outlining your background, experience, and the relevant skills you would bring to the Board, along with a brief CV, to Luke Rogers by Friday 6 March 2026
Email: luke@canberrayouththeatre.com.au
Further information on the Canberra Youth Theatre Board, including bios of current members, can be found here
